When I Work, the Minneapolis-based scheduling and communications platform company, has announced it is making Juneteenth (June 19) a paid holiday for employees.
In a tweet announcing the change, the company said the switch was made so the team could, “celebrate emancipation, learn about history, and connect with their communities.” The company also stated it will be providing educational resources to learn more about the, “history, meaning, and traditions of Juneteenth” for its team.
“We believe [designating Juneteenth as a paid holiday] is an important step because it creates more space for our team to continue learning, listening, and contributing to the work that helps dismantle systemic racism,” Chad Halvorson, CEO and Founder, said to tech.mn.
When I Work announced significant layoffs in April, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Juneteenth is a celebration and commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It dates back to June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally made its way to Texas — two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Despite its importance, the date has yet to be declared a national holiday.